Fat Bob vs. Fat Boy
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 292
Likes: 4
From: New Philadelphia, OH
I had my superglide for two days before I actually bought it (granted it belonged to a friend of a friend). You wouldn't buy a pair of shoes without tryin em on, right? I would even go so far as to rent one of each if you absolutely can't find another means of testing them. Riding something you wind up hating after a week is a pricey mistake because now that brand new scooter is worth 1 to 3 grand less just because you rode it off the lot.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver, BC
interesting thing though....I've sold quite a few bikes and have never let anyone ride one first...I think most people buy bikes without test riding them.....be an interesting poll.........
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 463
Likes: 0
From: Fall River MA
I would say the majority of riding I do is two up. My wife wont get off and I dont really mind, I enjoy the company. I own a Fat Bob and was in the same situation as you are with both bikes. I thought I wanted a Fat Boy until I sat on both and the fat bob just felt good to me. Like I said we do a lot of 2 up riding and the only thing I added for the wife is a new seat and a backrest. I am a light 265 and my wife is not the leanest women out there I would say the two of us together is in the 400lb range. The Fat Bob handles very well with the shocks adjusted to the max and only bottoms ocasionaly. I never rode the Fat Boy so I will not pass my judjement on it. Good Luck with your dilemna.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 4
From: Newtown, PA
I rode a Fat Boy before I bought my FXDC Super Glide. I liked both the Fat Boy and the Super Glide. Couldn't afford the Fat Boy and I have been very happy with my FXDC Super Glide. Wish I could have both. Regarding Fat Boy vs. Fat Bob....Fat Boy sleek and low to the ground, Fat Bob clunky looking with ugly exhaust pipes. I like Dynas, as I have put 14,000 miles on my 2007 FXDC, and Dynas handle better than Softtails, but I'd never ride a Fat Bob because to me they're ugly. I guess that's why they make chocolate and vanilla and strawberry.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
My mind is made up.
I went to the dealer last nite, sat on both bikes some more. I don't need to ride it first ... It feels great and I know enough about the bike that I'm sure of how it will perform. I'm buying the Fat Bob.
The funny thing is the guys at the dealership were way more into the Fat Bob regardless of the Fat Boy being $1000 more. I feel like I'm getting treated right up there too. You know those guys aren't making squat on a Sporty at full MSRP value; So far I'm getting a $500 off, a store credit and they're shipping in a denim black for me and swapping out forward for mids for me too. What else should i ask for???? I say a throw in of something, but what?
The funny thing is the guys at the dealership were way more into the Fat Bob regardless of the Fat Boy being $1000 more. I feel like I'm getting treated right up there too. You know those guys aren't making squat on a Sporty at full MSRP value; So far I'm getting a $500 off, a store credit and they're shipping in a denim black for me and swapping out forward for mids for me too. What else should i ask for???? I say a throw in of something, but what?
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 0
From: San Jose Ca
See if you can get a sundowner seat for 2up, its not the best looking seat but it is comfortable and you cant see it when you are sitting on it. You can switch it out when you ride solo! Thats what I do. Good choice by the way Dyna is the way to go!!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 488
Likes: 0
From: aurora,colorado
I put a down payment on a fatboy in late '04 without riding it.I had stopped by the dealer riding a Road King I had rented for the weekend. Went back the next Tuesday and canceled the contract on the Fatboy and ordered a Road King. You need to ride before you decide. Also chose the Fat Bob over a Night train. The rubber mounted bikes ride the best imo.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
+1 on the sundowner I installed one on my Bob for 2 up riding and the wife loves it